19 votes

San Francisco Chinatown

Grant Avenue & Bush, San Francisco, California 94108 USA

9
Photos

Free

Free to Visit

Open Now

Thu 12a-11:59p

Independent
Pet Friendly
Wheelchair
Accessible

Iconic Attraction

Our Take

San Francisco is home to the oldest Chinatown in North America, which happens to be the largest Chinese enclave outside Asia. Start with the main tourist drag on Grant Avenue and then browse the markets on Stockton before heading to Waverly Place to admire the colorful architecture. There are lots of temples, tea shops, dim sum joints, boutiques, bakeries, bars, and historic sites, so there's something here for everyone, especially if you're willing to try new things. And, since every good meal ends with a fortune cookie, make sure to make your last stop the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory.

by Anna Hider

“The largest Chinatown outside of Asia”

Chinatown, in San Francisco, California, is the oldest Chinatown in North America and the largest Chinese community outside Asia. Since its establishment in 1848, it has been highly important and influential in the history and culture of ethnic Chinese immigrants in North America. Chinatown is an enclave that continues to retain its own customs, languages, places of worship, social clubs, and identity. There are two hospitals, numerous parks and squares, a post office, and other infrastructure. Visitors can easily become immersed in a microcosmic Asian world, filled with herbal shops, temples, pagoda roofs and dragon parades. In addition to being a starting point and home for thousands of Chinese immigrants, it is also a major tourist attraction, drawing more visitors annually than the Golden Gate Bridge. About the roast duck.... Okay, I'm biased, but San Francisco Chinatown has the BEST roast duck...EVER! From Cheung Hing (Outer Sunset) to Win's Restaurant (Parkside). It's just to die for. Best eaten with hands. :)

Add Review

Thanks!

Your Rating

Reviewed by
James Fisher

Road Warrior
534 Reviews
491 Helpful

June 19, 2014

Rated 5.0

I love Chinatown. So many great little hole in the wall places to eat, or tiny restaurants buried down long corridors behind shops selling all sort of trinkets and paraphernalia. It is definitely the biggest Chinatown I have ever visited in the US or Europe. A must stop!

5 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Plvogel

98 Reviews
46 Helpful

May 20, 2015

Rated 5.0

Most famous Chinatown in America. You can spend a full day just wandering through the endless restaurants and antique shops. One of the most iconic places in San Francisco. Packed with tourists and locals. Parking is a lot easier on the weekend.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Chelsea Koglmeier

Foodie
242 Reviews
216 Helpful

October 01, 2014

Rated 3.0

Chinatown is awesome and this is one of the best in the states, but I recommend LA above San Fran's. If you haven't tried sesame balls with red bean paste, pop into your local Chinatown bakery and grab you some.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Luisa

332 Reviews
190 Helpful

September 30, 2014

Rated 5.0

Such a cool part of the city to visit and so unique. I'd avoid the shops unless you just want to look at curiosities as they're pretty pricey and definitely aimed at tourists, but there are loads of awesome little restaurants and food markets.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Chris Spinney Long

Tour Guide
172 Reviews
215 Helpful

July 07, 2014

Rated 4.0

A vibrant section of San Francisco that's practically inviting you to find out what cheap fireworks and awesome tea lie behind it's gates. Nothing beats just wandering around Chinatown window shopping and eating street food. You're bound to meet some characters at some of these shops. When I went I met a scary man who demanded I try his tea and was so happy when I did he gave me a bunch for free.

1 person found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Victoria

Photographer
49 Reviews
35 Helpful

May 03, 2017

Rated 4.0

Chinatown was pretty much how I imagined it would be. That's not to say it wasn't cool though. We were able to see some cool things and find some really yummy and affordable food. A bit touristy, and crowded but what can you really expect?

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
Amber McMahon

3 Reviews
0 Helpful

August 20, 2015

Rated 4.0

This is a very interesting area to just enjoy and explore. The food is amazing and since it is authentic I didn't know what half of it was, but it was fun trying some new things! They have so many shops to check out and though I'm not much for souvenirs it is still worth browsing around. This was well worth checking out!

Was this helpful?

Reviewed by
Sea0